How I Registered My NRBVN from London Without Visiting the Nigerian Embassy

How I Registered My NRBVN from London Without Visiting the Nigerian Embassy


This is how I Registered My NRBVN from London Without Visiting the Nigerian Embassy. Discover how a Nigerian in the UK successfully registered for NRBVN (Non-Resident Bank Verification Number) from London. No embassy visit. No long queues. Just real steps and honest advice.


If you’re a Nigerian living in London and you’ve been confused about how to register for your NRBVN online, you’re not alone. I was in the same boat clueless, frustrated, and tired of navigating confusing instructions on government websites. This is a story about how I registered for my NRBVN from my apartment in East London, without ever stepping foot in the Nigerian High Commission.


Why I Needed the NRBVN


Let’s rewind to March 2024. My dad had just retired and wanted to include me in a property deal back home. The only snag? I needed a Bank Verification Number (BVN). But there was a twist since I hadn't been in Nigeria for years, I didn’t have one. And traditional BVN registration required physical presence at a Nigerian bank. That’s where I stumbled upon the Non-Resident BVN (NRBVN) a game-changer for diaspora Nigerians like me.


What is the NRBVN?


The NRBVN is a digital identity solution for Nigerians living abroad. It links your biometric data to Nigeria’s financial infrastructure, allowing you to:


Open and maintain Nigerian bank accounts


Verify your identity for real estate or inheritance matters


How to get NRBVN UK


Access government-backed digital services


Comply with financial KYC (Know Your Customer) regulations


Think of it as a bridge between your life abroad and your roots in Nigeria.


My Search for a Solution in London


When I first Googled “register NRBVN from London,” I was overwhelmed by outdated guides and forum replies from 2018. Many suggested visiting the High Commission in Westminster. But their slots were always full, and the reviews about customer service were discouraging.

How I Registered My NRBVN from London Without Visiting the Nigerian Embassy


Register NRBVN online from London


Then I came across OIS Services UK — a private firm licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria to handle biometric enrolments for BVN and NRBVN.


Their website was far from perfect, but I could see a glimmer of possibility.


The Essentials You’ll Need


Here’s what I gathered before starting the process:


Valid Nigerian Passport – This is non-negotiable.


Recent Passport Photograph – Must be taken within the last 6 months.


Proof of UK Address – I used a recent Thames Water bill.


Digital Signature – I signed on white paper and scanned it.


Email Address and UK Phone Number


Debit/Credit Card for Payment


Pro Tip: If your documents are in another name (like married vs maiden), prepare an affidavit or name-change certificate.


Step-by-Step: How I Registered NRBVN from London


Step 1: Visit the Right Website


Go to https://oisservices.com and navigate to “NRBVN Registration.” Choose United Kingdom as your location.


Step 2: Create Your Account


Enter your name, email, and a secure password. The system will send you a verification link. Click it.


Step 3: Fill Out the Online Form


Be precise. The NRBVN form will ask for:


Full name (as on passport)


Date of birth


Gender


Email


Nigerian phone number (optional)


UK contact details


Purpose of registration (select NRBVN)


Triple-check your details. One mistake here could delay your application by weeks.

How I Registered My NRBVN from London Without Visiting the Nigerian Embassy


Step 4: Upload Required Documents


Accepted formats: JPEG, PNG, PDF. Keep the file size under 2MB.


What I uploaded:


Nigerian passport bio-data page


UK utility bill


Digital signature


Passport photo


Step 5: Make Payment


The fee for NRBVN registration in the UK was £40. I paid using my Monzo card. Once payment cleared, I got an appointment confirmation email for biometrics.


Step 6: Schedule and Attend Biometrics Appointment


OIS operates an enrolment center in London:


OIS London Office

56-57 Fleet Street,

London EC4Y 1JU


Appointments run Monday to Saturday. I chose a Friday slot at 10:30 AM.


Nigerian BVN from abroad


At the center, the staff were courteous and fast. They took:


My fingerprints (all ten)


A live photo


Whole process took 25 minutes. I got a tracking slip with a reference ID.


Step 7: Wait for Confirmation


Twelve business days later, I received an email with my NRBVN. It was a unique 11-digit number. I quickly forwarded it to my dad in Nigeria. Our property transaction could finally proceed.


Common Mistakes to Avoid


Using expired documents – The system will reject them.


Name mismatch between passport and utility bill – Causes delays.


Skipping biometric appointment – Your NRBVN won’t be issued.


Uploading blurry photos – Must be clear and passport-style.


The Benefits of Doing It Online from London


No Embassy Queues – You avoid frustrating wait times.


Flexible Scheduling – OIS lets you pick your slot.


Full Online Tracking – Know where your application stands.


Compliance with CBN – It’s legitimate and approved.


Apply for NRBVN in the UK


To help fellow Nigerians abroad find this resource, here are the keywords integrated throughout the post:


NRBVN registration OIS UK



BVN without embassy visit London


Would I do this again? Absolutely. Was it perfect? No the OIS website can be clunky. But once I followed the steps patiently, everything went smoothly. Compared to flying back to Nigeria or camping at the High Commission, this was a walk in the park.


Final Tips for Success


Prepare your documents early.


Book biometrics in advance.


Be polite at the enrollment center.


Track your application.


Use your NRBVN once received link it to your Nigerian bank.


Conclusion


Getting an NRBVN from London is not only possible it’s practical. As a Nigerian living in the UK, this digital ID empowers you to stay connected to your roots and manage your affairs back home with ease.


Forget embassy queues. Forget misinformation. Just follow the real process, and you’ll be holding your NRBVN in less than two weeks.


So to all my fellow Nigerians in the UK: if I could do it from East London, so can you. Start today — your identity is one step away.


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